topic Fit for work assessment in Anxiety

Fit for work assessment

DannyG — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 07:11:00 GMT

Hello all

i am in need of help. I have been having panic attacks at work recently. Today my HR department have asked me to have my GP fill out a fit for work assessment. It has particular questions that basically ask if I am able to do my job. This frightens me as I think it means that my employer are trying to fire me. Has anyone ever had to have one of these filled out? What did you do? What happened?

Fit for work assessment

Not_Batman — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 08:32:25 GMT

Hi DannyG

yes, i have had this happen to me. Its not a good feeling, especially when you’re in a very low state.

so my doctor was sent a letter with a list of my normal duties, when i reviewed these with my doctor she was of the opinion of yes i could do them but to have them Reintroduced gradually.

So got to work, and im immediately put back onto the jobs that were triggering me, no reintroduction process. Hey guess what happened...panic attacks. So im off work again and my employer refuses to accept anything that comes from this doctor. So i have to get referred to a more senior doctor, and guess what his letter back to the employer was ... A Gradual Reintroduction!!!

well this wasnt enough, so a little bit of a battle ensued over a few months, all while im already suffering, and trying to get better. The employer sends me to an independent medical examiner IME. By this stage i was doing a lot better mentally, but was still petrified of how the IME would do the psych examination.

The IME was perhaps the most uncaring person i have ever met, and i thkught the result would be bad. I didnt get any warm fuzzy feeling from the exam at all.
a couple of weeks later the report comes back, and guess what it said...i was ok to return to work on a gradual reintroduction.

so it took nearly 6 months and 3 doctors to say i was fine to return to work.

in the 6 months i had a free legal consult and laid out the facts. I honestly thought i was being forced out of my job. They offered me a new position with a severely reduced pay package ( a demotion). The lawyer said it sounded like they were gearing up to fire me. Way to kick a person when they are already down hey!?!

It turned out ok in the end. I did everything that was asked, but i have a serious mistrust now for my boss, and HR. I learned they are not my friends as i once thought, only there to protect the company from you.

Not_Batman

Fit for work assessment

Not_Batman — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 08:40:01 GMT

Following on, the point i want to make is that while the work situation is important, and was always eating at me, focusing on my health was the #1 priority.

I blamed work for a lot of the anxiety issues because they didnt help me no matter how much i asked. So being scorn didnt help.

Im back working with the same company, in a different role (not the demotion that Was offered) and trying to repair those broken relationships.

I hope that gives you some idea of what to expect.

Not_Batman

Fit for work assessment

missep123 — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 10:09:59 GMT

Hi DannyG,

I have not had this experience but I wanted to comment on your post to show some support. It might be an idea to speak to your GP about your concerns as they may have more knowledge about this situation and can answer any questions that you may have.

Here for you

Fit for work assessment

DannyG — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:10:07 GMT

Thank you Not_Batman I really appreciate your response. I’m baffled as to why I am being asked for this form as I have not been off work ? I really appreciate your help thank you

Fit for work assessment

Summer Rose — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:29:06 GMT

Hi DannyG

I am sorry that you are experiencing panic attacks and that this is happening at work.

Your employer has a duty of care to provide you with a safe workplace, so if they are aware of the panic attacks they really should be asking for the fitness for work assessment. They need information to be able to help you.

However, what your employer does with that information depends very much on whether they genuinely want to assist you (some employers will do this) or whether they don't.

Some employers may fear that keeping you in the workplace will lead to a very expensive Workcover claim or lost productivity, etc. However, they can't terminate your employment for being unwell, so then they try more subtle methods to basically force you to leave. In this circumstance, HR is not your friend.

However, you do have rights in this situation.

I am going to suggest that you call FairWork. They will tell you what the employer's obligations are to you and then you can start thinking about what you want from your employer to keep you safe and healthy at work.

I see it this way. What you need from your employer is an "equitable work plan" that will enable you to access the workpkace and perform your job on a level playing field with your non-panic attack experiencing peers. Anything less would be discriminatory based on your mental health condition.

If I were you, I would discuss this with your GP and FairWork and be very much on the front foot about what you need from your employer. You will soon get the vibe of whether or not your employer is going to do the right thing.

I should clarify that I am not a lawyer. I am an employer.

I would be very curious to know how you get on.

Kind thoughts to you

Fit for work assessment

Not_Batman — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 21:43:48 GMT

DannyG

i can agree with SummerRose. It is a very logical rundown. Logic for me , when i was in the position with anxiety, was non existant.

Summer Rose

Thank you for the contribution, i wish i had had this information a long time ago, unfortunately i had to do it the hard way. It is great to get an employers point of view.

Not_Batman

Fit for work assessment

Summer Rose — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 06:06:01 GMT

Hi Not_Batman

You are spot on. When someone is unwell it is very difficult to make sound decisions and know what to do. Please, don't ever be hard on yourself--it's a terribly difficult position to be in. You would have done your best at the time.

Not all employers are bad. Some, like me, "get it" and try very hard to fulfill their obligations. I work with many people in my industry and have had discussions with WorkSafe and the Fair Work Commission about achieving better outcomes for people experiencing mental health conditions in the workplace. What I'm saying is, never give up. There are a lot of people working behind-the-scenes to create a better world.

Kind thoughts to you

Fit for work assessment

Not_Batman — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 22:46:37 GMT

Hi Danny G.

how did the work situation pan out?

i hope the panic attacks have smoothed out.

Not_Batman

Fit for work assessment

DannyG — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 06:38:55 GMT

Hi Summer Rose

things have progressed. I got my GP to send the letter that HR required. I heard nothing for two weeks so I tried to put it out of my mind.

then today HR called me and told me that tomorrow I have an appointment with a psychologist, chosen by my employer and that I must attend this appointment. HR say that this is because the letter from my DR did not give enough information on how to help me.

im feeling very scared that i will be fired. If this happens I don’t know how I will recover.

any advice would be appreciated.

Fit for work assessment

DannyG — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 06:44:27 GMT

Hi Not_Batman

things have progressed and I am feeling afraid. I’m not sure what to do and I don’t know how I am going to get through this

Fit for work assessment

Not_Batman — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 07:34:00 GMT

Hi DannyG

sounds very familiar (refer earlier post). I am sorry to hear that it has gotten to this stage, but there is an upside.

Im not downplaying GPs at all, but the G does stand for general. While the GP will be trying their best to assist, the psychologist has a different set of skills (kind of like getting an electrician to build a house). the phych will be able to better evaluate your current and future mental health position.

Its not uncommon for it to happen, but in the 2 weeks with no contact your employer has sort of done you a favour and given you time to rest. My advice ...REST!!!
its also not uncommon for the appointment to be sprung on you (dirty HR tactics)

if the psych has been organised by your employer, chances are they are paying for the service, and a report of what you say, how you present, how you walk, talk, may be sent to your employer. I thought my report was going to be horrible, but in the end it actually wasnt that bad...actually quite positive. My advice, just be honest, you cant hide much from a psych.

the IME started talking about things that pinched a nerve, so i got a little emotional, but stayed calm and collected.

When it comes to the fear of being fired, i had that just about every day that i was off work, but you do have rights, and cant really be fired for having a mental health issue.

there is an article on beyondblue (search Your-rights-at-work-when-dealing-with-mental-health-problems), and even fairwork australia have information available for you.

you will get through this. Its just a bump in the road. Keep true to yourself, kind to yourself, focus on getting better, that is really the only way to change the outcome.

If i had space to write 1000 more words it may not he enough. But i wish you the absolute best for tomorrow. If you would like, you could discuss how it went with us.

try your best to relax, and get a good night sleep.

Not_Batman

PS, sorry to all GPs, and electricians. Its not intended to be taken out of context, its there to illustrate a point.

Fit for work assessment

Summer Rose — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:32:04 GMT

Hi DannyG

I can understand your fear; the situation is not easy.

It might help to remember that it is your employer’s obligation to ensure you are fit for work. They don't have a choice here. But this is a process and you have rights. You are protected in law from discrimination throughout the process.

HR has advised you that your GP didn't provide them with enough information to know how to help you, which is a good sign. This is because the additional information from the psychologist will hopefully tell them whether you can perform the role safely, or whether reasonable adjustments need to be made to support you.

Reasonable adjustments might include restricted duties, varied duties or access to a more suitable position which you would be able to perform at your own level without impacting your condition.

Have a think about what you need and advocate for yourself with the psychologist.Generally speaking, it is a good idea to provide as much information as you can, so your employer can help you.

The psychologist should then be able to outline the duties you can or cannot do and any reasonable timeframes for you to improve your health if possible.

The objective is always to assist the employee to return to their nominal role especially where an alternative is not available or possible.

Ask the psychologist for a copy of his/her report.

Good luck. Kind thoughts to you

Fit for work assessment

DannyG — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:56:09 GMT

Thanks Not Batman I really appreciate your kind words. I am scared beyond belief but there’s nothing I can do. Thanks again.

Fit for work assessment

DannyG — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:01:59 GMT

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply Summer Rose. Really appreciated:)

Fit for work assessment

Not_Batman — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:03:39 GMT

Hi DannyG

i concur, once again, with everything that Summer Rose has said. It is great to have an employers point of view.

its very hard for me to say dont be scared and you wont be, but this is about you, and you getting better, nothing more.

are you seeing any professionals outside of the independent one?

Not_Batman

Fit for work assessment

Summer Rose — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:08:08 GMT

Hi DannyG

It's my pleasure.

You deserve kindness, care and likely some support at work and you will get through this rough patch.

It is virtually impossible to be human and not experience anxiety, stress or some kind of challenge in the workplace on occaision. It's okay and more common than you might think.

Hang in there, my friend

Fit for work assessment

missep123 — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 06:44:13 GMT

Hi DannyG,

I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing.

I can understand that things have been challenging recently.

We are definitely here for you!

Fit for work assessment

DannyG — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 10:25:56 GMT

Hi missep123

it is so kind of you to ask 🙂 things are not going well and I wanted to ask some help of everyone

i was sent to a fit for work assessment and the psychologist who conducted the assessment said that I needed treatment for my panic attacks and that I was to undergo this treatment in order to keep my job. HR have also said that I must ‘check in’ with them at meetings every few weeks so they can monitor my progress.

so I am having the treatment but I?m so scared I?m going to get fired anyway. The fear is making me afraid to go to work. I travel two hours (each way) to work and by the time I arrive at the office im very anxious. I think it may be better to end my life than go through losing my job. (Again).

Has anyone experienced anything similar to this? Can anyone share their experiences or offer me any advice?

thanks everyone!

Fit for work assessment

Sophie_M — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 10:44:45 GMT

Hey DannyG,

Thank you for keeping the community updated on how you've been going. We understand how much strength this takes when you're feeling really low, so we are really grateful that you decided to reach out. We're so sorry to hear what you've been going through, and that you're feeling extremely worried and concerned about being fired. It sounds like these dark thoughts must be incredibly difficult to cope with, but please know that we are all here to support you, and you never have to keep these feelings bottled up inside.

It sounds like you're in a really exhausting situation, and we'd really urge you to reach out to talk these feelings through. You're never alone. The kind counsellors at our Beyond Blue Support Service (1300 22 4636), as well as our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) are here for you 24/7, as often as you need, when things are feeling like too much to cope with.

We hope that you can continue finding comfort in the forums, and feel a little less alone through this difficult time. Please also feel free to keep checking in and updating us on how you're going, whenever you feel ready.